Name: Death
Italian Name: Morte
Playing Card: 5♠
Polarity when Upright: Neutral but actually negative (see explanation)
Core Meanings: Sharp change | Loss | An imbalance of some kind
Polarity when Reversed: Negative with some exceptions
Reversed Core Meanings: Deep sorrow, Inner devastation

Card Description: an ominous coffin is propped up on two chairs. A long white candle burns, spreading its dim light.

Suit and Number: All fives have to do with transition in some form or another. Spades are THE negative suit, therefore the notion of death is attached to the Five of Spades.

UPRIGHT 5♠R

General: Technically a neutral card. It merely represents change, usually sharp and, at least to some degree, painful. It is never minor change. When it is followed by positive cards, it indicates a transition toward better times, but because it’s the 5♠, it is implied that some suffering will attend the change. On the other hand, when negative cards follow, it shows that the querent is entering a dark tunnel of pain. Also, this card, similarly to the 3♠, can cut whatever the previous card shows off from our life, for better or worse.

Love and Relationships: the most immediate meaning of the Death card in this field of life is that of breakup. This is especially the case if cards of union and love come before it. It is also part of some combinations showing bereavement. However, the Five of Spades can also signify imbalance, and therefore that one partner loves more than the other, or that the relationship is irremediably broken. A partner showing up in the spread with this card next to him or her and cards representing psychological issues or violence is best kept at arm’s length.

Work and Money: a difficult card in all circumstances. In points to loss of employment, regrets over career choice, and situations that are iffy at best, total ripoffs at worse. When attended by positive cards, it shows positive changes which, however, will take a toll on the querent in some way. Rarely this card signifies jobs to do with the dead or with poisons

Other: psychologically this card points to bitterness, regret and lack of inner balance. Therefore it can hint at self-harm and practices that cause self-damage. It is also a card of atheism and of very dark beliefs. It is one of the cards signifying dark magic and especially necromancy and working with the dead (or with dead bodies).

Important Combinations:
5♠ + 7♠ = nope | radical, irremediable ending
5♠ + 7♠ + 3♠U/R (but more reversed) = death (with skull and crossbones)
8♦ + 5♠ = traditionally the end of bereavement or a difficult period
5♠ + 4♥ + 4♠ = a sick, imbalanced love life
8♥ + 2♦ + 5♠ = the communication you were hoping for won’t arrive

REVERSED 5♠R

General: in general, when reversed this card expresses its meaning on a more psychological level, indicating grief, sorrow, upset. If followed by positive cards, though, it can signify that the querent is resistant and, even though the situation may be somewhat taxing, he will get through it thanks to his inner resolve. If it’s preceded by negative cards and followed by positive cards, it can mean that the querent is going to turn their life around. The inner death, in this case, is symbolic of a deep change in one’s attitude.

Love and Relationships: in general, the reversed Death card stands for deep upset due to a relationship not going how one wants. Look around for the reason. A breakup may be indicated, or the discovery of someone’s infidelity. In general, there is a sense of inability to accept how things have become or what we have discovered, for it is too upsetting.

Work and Money: the same apply here. Something deeply upset the querent, making them die inside somehow. The card hits heavy, so look for signs of mobbing or hard situations in general. If positive cards follow the reversed Five of Spades, then the situation will turn for the better.

Other: psychologically this is a card of profoundly negative emotions. It can signify depression with other cards, implying that a light has gone out inside of the person. With positive cards, the difficulties are still present but resilience is shown. Spiritually, the light that has gone out is that of faith.

Important Combinations:
A♦R + 5♠R = upset due to an unpleasant revelation
5♠R + 8♣ + 7♠ = sorrow due to a breakup
7♦ + 7♠ + 3♠ + 5♠R = devastated by the loss of a child
8♥R + 5♠R = it can mean loss of faith
5♠R + 5♣ or 2♣ + 10♥ = personal renewal

Other Combinations: Vera Sibilla | Examples of Combinations – The Fives